R. R. Angerstein
Reinhold Rücker Angerstein, born October 25, 1718 at Vikmanshyttan, died January 5, 1760 in Stockholm, was a Swedish metallurgist, civil servant and entrepreneur.[1]
He visited Britain in 1753-5 for the purpose of industrial espionage. 'I had to use many tricks and much effort before I could get to everything I wished to.' See 'R R Angerstein's Illustrated Travel Diary 1753-1755: industry in England and Wales from a Swedish perspective'[2]
When the Swedish industrial spy, Reinhold Angerstein, visited Woodstock on the 22nd October 1753 he reported that "The principal articles made here are watch-chains, watch-keys, buckles, toe-buckles, buckles for men's shirt fronts, corkscrews, nutcrackers, buttons, etc.". The translators of Angerstein's journal have, necessarily, adopted a literal translation, and it is not at all certain what was meant by "toe buckles" (though they sound like ordinary shoe buckles. "Toe buckles" is not a term found in use here). "Buckles for men's shirt fronts" sounds like some sort of shirt stud but this seems surprising for the date.[3]
See Also
Sources of Information
- ↑ [1] Wikipedia entry
- ↑ R R Angerstein's Illustrated Travel Diary 1753-1755: industry in England and Wales from a Swedish perspective, translated by Torsten & Peter Berg, The Science Museum, London 2001. The value of this translated work is greatly enhanced by the breadth and depth of the authors' knowledge of engineering practice and of the 18th century industrial and commercial scene.
- ↑ [2] Woodstock steel